Anthro 10 - Jeepney Ethnography

Name: Kelly Nicole P. Mangonon Student No.: 2015-07932

Course: BS Chemistry Anthro 10 – WFV (WF 11:30AM-1:00PM)

ETHNOGRAPHY REPORT

I. Introduction

When one looks for a denotative definition of the word “jeep”, one would usually come across it being a four-wheeled motor vehicle. Some people would mention the vehicle’s prevalent usage during World War II, or would even note it as a term one could use when referring to a large vehicle or a monster truck with humungous wheels. But when a Filipino hears the word “jeep”, he thinks of none other than the Sarao jeeps that he sees every day. The Sarao Jeep, or simply, jeepney, is a brilliant invention made by Filipinos, for Filipinos. Whether the average Juan uses it to go to work or passes by one while driving to a holiday, the he will never run out of jeepneys to see or board, since it is the most widely used form of public transportation here in the country. The existence of the Philippine jeepney is one of the things that make the Philippine culture unique, because even the attitudes and mannerisms exhibited inside the jeep are reflections of how the countrymen behave.

II. Objectives

The aim of this report is to expound on how the jeep can serve as a microcosm of the Philippines, by the use of participant observation. By riding the jeepney, the observer can gather data on the actions, mannerisms, habits, language and even values that the other passengers exhibit while riding the vehicle towards their destination. After the trip, the observer must be able to reflect on the implications of the passengers’ behaviors as a group or individually, and relate them to Philippine society.

III. Observations

A. Setting

Time of ride: 5:10PM – 5:34PM (around rush hour)

Jeepney Route: Pantranco Terminal to Cubao-Mercury Terminal

B. Hidden Concepts Observed

1.) Opportunism

When I first got on the jeep, there were only around four or five people inside the vehicle. It was only in a matter...